Self drive, guided 4WD Tag-along tours with supplied vehicles

Thanks G.O,
Yeah they're trying to avoid the bus thing.

I did suggest hiring a 4WD and doing a tag-along. I guess the problem there is that there is an expectation that each party in the tag-along has all there own gear.

I think I might just talk them into a bus thing. They're usually pretty well set up.

Cheers.
Fab.

Here are a couple that I found, maybe of some use to you.

http://voyager4x4adventures.com.au/tagalongtours.html

http://www.tagalongtours.com.au/about-us.htm

http://www.adventure-tours-australia.com/4wd-tour-dates.html

When they hire a 4x4, it may pay them to do a weekend course to at least familiarize themselves with the basics.
They would also need to have it in writing that they are allowed to take the vehicle off road and also arrange their own insurance.

I just noticed that there is an option for them to travel in the tour operators vehicle and is fully catered, but pricey $5100 pp.

Depending on the total cost involved when hiring etc, the above maybe a better option for them. At least they still get all the thrills but don't have to worry about the technical side of things and everything is provided. The only thing they would need to bring along is their booze and a sleeping bag.

http://www.adventure-tours-australia.com/4wd-tour-dates.html

There is also an option for $200 off if paid in full 120 days prior.

pretty sure most hire 4bys come decked out. maybe some cheap bedding may be needed but that would be it

here you go. they come with pretty much everything
http://www.britz.com.au/campervans-australia/Pages/bushcamper-3-berth-4wd-camper.aspx#sleeping

They are probably better off finding another couple or group to travel with. Tag along is hellishly expensive! Michael

Being inexperienced and just meeting up with someone else, may not be the best thing to do.
They are putting their safety in the hands of someone who they don't know, they are also relying on them for the 4x4 driving side of things. There is no telling how experienced the other people are or what first aid qualifications they have.

By going with one of these companies they should be very well looked after and will be able to have a great time knowing that in the event something happened they would be sure to receive the best care possible. If they have their own vehicle, they should also receive expert 4x4 guidance and not be pressured into doing something they are capable or comfortable with.

I think it is a very good idea, sure it may be expensive, but for someone who has never done it, I think it is a great way to at least get a taste of what it is like and stay safe at the same time.

pretty sure those britz etc get restricted as to where they can go,
if they had any sense they would relax those restrictions for tag alongs - far more chance of getting your camper back in one peice in that situation rather than chucking the keys to some 20 something backpackers and pionting them in the direction of the cape or the GRR

heres the britz restrictions on travel - would have thought this was front and centre but you have to read there VERY extensive fine print to find it



(b) 4WD vehicles can be driven on recognised unsealed
tracks.
(c) 4WD vehicles may only travel to the following
areas with the written permission of Britz: Simpson
Desert, Strzelecki Track, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape
York, the Bungle Bungles, Oodnadatta Track,
Birdsville Track, Tanami Track, the Plenty Highway,
Gibb River Road, Burke Development Road from
Chillagoe to Normanton, Savannah Way from
Normanton to Borroloola, Fraser Island*, Finke
Road (between Alice Springs and Oodnadatta),
Central Arnhem Road and Arnhem Land in general,
and
(d) Vehicles are not permitted on the Canning Stock
Route, the Old Gunbarrel Hwy, the Lost City in
Litchfield Park, the Telegraph section of the road to
Cape York, Boggy Hole (Finke Gorge National Park)
and the Old South Road from Maryvale to Finke at
any time. Travel to Cape York between the months
of December to May is not permitted. The Customer
is responsible for all damage if travelling on these

This could not have been where I thought it was? :)

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

This is another member/contributor
http://www.4wd.net.au/
Cheers Dave

Arrrgh! No way Wayne & Sally.
3 things I never lend out are my lawnmower, my wife and my 4by. lol.

Thanks all the same for the idea. I'm working with them on some to-do places to see. Coming from Europe, they think they can see the Barossa in the morning, pop over to see the Syney Harbour bridge after lunch, then have dinner at Ayers Rock before bedding down for the night in Perth. (Not quite - but not far off either). The distances are blowing their minds and hence the reluctance to set them up in a Britz (or similar), point them in a direction and send them off.

They are really keen to be able to do some four wheel driving themselves to learn the ropes, but want the safety of a tag-along for the commentry I guess and the local knowledge.

I've had a few good links posted above and I'm looking into a few of them. Yeah some are expensive, but coming that seems to be what they are dead set keen on doing.


Cheers....FAb.

Awesome Jenny and a huge thank you.
Rather than me be the meat in the sandwich, I've passed your email address on to them and have asked them to give you a few more details like any specific things they hope to see, more firm dates etc.

They're a lovely couple and their English is very fluent so they'll have no probs fitting in.

Thanks again.
Fab.